Home / Notes / English /

Mastering Relative Pronouns and Subordinate Clauses in Grammar

English6.29 KB

Relative Pronouns in Grammar

Functions of Relative Pronouns

  • They create a **link** between the antecedent and the inserted clause.
  • They replace a Noun Phrase (NP) in the inserted clause, performing a syntactic function within that clause.
  • This feature differentiates them from the conjunction *que* (that).
  • They possess both a **syntactic function** and **semantic content**, unlike the conjunction *que*, which only serves as a link.

Forms of Relative Pronouns

The primary forms of relative pronouns are: *que* (that), *què* (what), *qui* (who), *on* (where), and *article + qual(s)* (which).

Specific Uses of 'Que' (That)

*Que* functions as Subject (Subj), Direct Object (DO), or Complement of a Preposition (CP). It is used when the antecedent is clearly defined.

Specific Uses of 'El Qual' and 'Qui' (Which and Who)

  • These forms are always preceded by a preposition (and thus function as a Complement of a Preposition).
  • *El Qual* (and its variations) refers to **things** and **people**.
  • *Qui* refers exclusively to **people**.

Uses of 'Article + Qual(s)'

This form is used after a preposition: *Preposition + Article + Qual(s)*. If the preposition is **tonic** (stressed), we must use this structure (e.g., for Circumstantial Complements (CC) or Complements of Regime (C. Reg.)).

The Relative Adverb 'On' (Where)

*On* is used **only** for Circumstantial Complements of Place (CCL).

Neutral Relative Pronouns

The neutral relative pronoun (*la qual cosa* or *cosa que*) is used when its antecedent is the **entire preceding clause** (a global antecedent).

Possessive Relative Pronouns

Possessive relative pronouns (*el/la/els/les qual/quals*) **always** function as a Complement of Noun (CN).

Ungrammatical Uses of Relative Pronouns

Avoid the following constructions:

  • Preposition + Article + *Que* / *Qui* (The article cannot be used here).
  • Construction: *Que* + Verb + Weak Pronoun (This structure is impossible).

Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate Participle Clauses (Adjectives)

These clauses derive from passive sentences where the verb *to be* has been omitted (elided). They function similarly to adjectives, modifying a noun.

Subordinate Adverbial Clauses

Types of Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses are categorized into two main types:

Proper Adverbial Clauses

These clauses function as Circumstantial Complements (CC) and include:

  • Temporal (Time)
  • Locative (Place)
  • Modal (Manner)
Improper Adverbial Clauses

These clauses function as sentence modifiers and include:

  • Comparative
  • Causal
  • Final
  • Consecutive
  • Conditional
  • Concessive

Concessive clauses are typically introduced by connectors like *though* or *although*.

Adverbial Clauses with Non-Finite Forms

Infinitive Adverbial Clauses

  • These clauses function as Circumstantial Complements (CC).
  • They are often formed using the preposition *en* + infinitive.

Gerund Adverbial Clauses

  • They may express an action that occurs later than the main verb's action.
  • They often function as **adverbials of time** or manner.

Participle Adverbial Clauses

The participle agrees with the noun phrase it modifies within the subordinate clause. They can function as a Complement of a Preposition (CP) or a Circumstantial Complement (CC).

Conjunctions and Conjunctive Phrases

Role and Specific Rules for Conjunctions

Conjunctions play the role of **linking** sentences, coordinating them or subordinating them to each other.

  • The conjunctions *i* (and) / *o* (or) **never** change to *e* / *u*, even if the following word begins with *i* / *o*.
  • The conjunction *però* (but) is adversative and can **never** have the meaning of *només* (only).
  • The construction *però no pas* / *si no* (but not / if not) is an adversative conjunction. If *si no* is used alone, it may be a Conditional / Concessive Conjunction + Negative Adverb.
  • The conjunction *doncs* (therefore) **always** introduces a consequence and can **never** introduce a cause.
  • The conjunction *perquè* (because) introduces a Causal or Final clause.

Common Errors in Conjunction Usage

Avoid using the following incorrect forms when meaning *because*: *per causa de*, *per què*, *per quina raó*.

Clarification of Related Terms:

  • ***Doncs***: Can be used as a substantive (meaning 'reason' or 'motive').
  • ***Per què***: Requires a preceding preposition; *què* can be a relative pronoun.
  • ***Per a què***: Expresses purpose (equivalent to *per tal de* or *amb la finalitat de*).

Conjunctive Phrases (Locutions)

Examples of conjunctive phrases include: *així que* (so that), *de manera que* (in such a way that), and *per tal que* (in order that).

Mandatory Repetition of 'Que'

When the conjunction *que* or a long conjunctive phrase refers to various points in a list, it is mandatory to repeat the conjunction *que* every time.

Incorrect Uses of Adverbs and Conjunctions

Incorrect Temporal Adverbial Links

It is incorrect to introduce temporal adverbials with the following links:

  • *Només* + Infinitive (Use *tan bon punt* or *així que* instead).
  • *Complir* (as is) (Use *quan* or *mentre*).
  • *Així* (as is) (Use *quan* or *mentre*).

Incorrect Conditional Adverbial Links

These conditional links are incorrect:

  • Preposition *de* (Use *si*).
  • *En cas* (if...) (Use *en cas que*).
  • *Amb la condició* (Use *amb la condició que*).
  • *Mentre* (if...) (Use *si*).
  • *A menys que* (unless) (Use *llevat que* or *a no ser que*).
  • *Per ser possible* / *A ser possible* (if possible) (Use *si és possible*).

Incorrect Causal Adverbial Links

These causal links are wrong:

  • *Perquè* (as / since) (Use *com que* or *ja que* at the beginning of the sentence).
  • *Que lloc* (Use *ja que* or *perquè*).
  • *Doncs* (Use *perquè* or *ja que*).

Download

PDF Word HTML